A Mess of Pottage - Genesis 25

I know I said I was going to talk about the commandments for the next few Sundays, but today I heard a talk in Sacrament Meeting that really touched my heart and made me think. In a way, this post does connect to the commandments, as you will see.

In Genesis 25:23-31, we read of the story of Esau and Jacob. Esau was the firstborn and thus he had the birthright which, at the passing of the father, meant he would inherit most of the father's possessions and the duty to care for the family. 

In the scriptural account, Esau returned from his hunting expedition and was famished. His brother Jacob had just cooked some pottage (whether it was stew or lentils or something else is not important to know) and Esau asked for a plate. Jacob agreed in exchange for Esau's birthright. Esau figured that if he was not going to eat, he was going to die and, therefore, the birthright would not do him any good anyway.

In the talk, Monica explained that the mess of pottage represented the immediate gratification and what lost Esau his birthright. She then posed the question: "what is your mess of pottage?"

In today's world there are many "mess of pottage." There is greed, lust, covetousness, evil speaking against others, so on and so forth. If you look at the commandments, all these "mess of pottage" are mentioned. See? I did say this post was going to connect to the commandments. 

So now, I am going to ask the same question, "what is the thing, or things, that take precedence over following Christ and His teachings?
What is (or are) your "mess of pottage?"
What thing(s) do you choose for instant gratification over the final reward, which is life eternal after following God's plan for you?
Are you going to be like Esau and give up your blessings and responsibilities for something that is of secondary importance, or are you going to follow the Savior?
Do you, like Esau, think that if you do not gratify yourself with your "mess of pottage," you are going to die?

I challenge each of us to look at what we daily choose and evaluate if our choice brings us closer to our Lord and Savior, even Jesus Christ, or if it takes us farther away from Him.

Please, Don't trade your birthright for anything!

Next Sunday, I will resume with the commandments. I wish all a great week.